Local physical therapist cites injury causes, treatments during 2014 Sochi Olympics

A study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine calculates that nearly 10 percent of Olympic athletes will compete with an injury sustained during competition or in training leading up to the Olympic Games.

Sports with the highest rate of serious injury include bobsled, ice hockey and alpine freestyle skiing. Most frequent injury sites include head, spine and knees, with the most common types of injuries being bruising, ligament tears and muscular sprains.

Throughout the ongoing Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, Chet Clodfelter owner of Greencastle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center and a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS), will be providing a running commentary on the cause and treatment of injuries sustained by Winter Olympians.

"While the Winter Games always provides a prime seat to watch the journey of athletes vying to become Olympic champions, there is also a very present element of physical danger, often resulting in the breakdown of the human body," Clodfelter said.

"The drama surrounding the Olympics offers us a chance to witness the human body pushed to its limits. By witnessing and learning from injuries, we can better teach everyday people how to avoid bodily harm."

Clodfelter and the staff at Greencastle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center have helped many athletes prepare for competition.

"We understand what it takes to get the athlete back into competition. We are currently working with middle school, high school and collegiate athletes getting them prepared for their upcoming seasons and working as far ahead as eight months for preseason training," Clodfelter said.

"It is a lot easier and more cost effective to train an individual to be prepared for their sport than it is to try to manage their injury they have sustained in season because of improper training. Whether it is a sprain foot or ankle, strained hamstring or back, golfer's elbow or shoulder impingement, we are already getting athletes ready for spring and summer activities.

"We really enjoy seeing our patients getting back in the game," Clodfelter added.

In 2014, 12 new winter events have debuted at the Olympic Games. Women's ski jumping, a biathlon mixed relay and ski half-pipe are examples of sports added to a long list of events that test skill, endurance and athletic ability.

"With the continued evolution of the games, the role of a physical therapist is even more essential," Clodfelter said. "A physical therapist manages rehabilitation post injury but more importantly, the physical therapist can help an athlete prevent the injury from the outset."

For more information about Greencastle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center, visit www.greencastlept.com

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Members are leaders and innovators in the health care system. For more information, visit www.ppsapta.org.

Editor's Note: Chet Clodfelter's commentary can be followed on Facebook at Greencastle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center.